MANILA: Three more Chinese vessels, including the so-called “monster ship,” were detected near Bajo de Masinloc as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) continues its monitoring efforts off Zambales.
Among the three Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels were CCG 5901, approximately 99.37 nautical miles (nm) from Zambales; CCG 3502 at 131.70 nm; and CCG 3103 at 133.97 nm, based on a report issued by PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Commodore Jay Tarriela, late Tuesday (Jan 28) night.
Meanwhile, Tarriela disclosed that BRP Teresa Magbanua is actively challenging China Coast Guard vessel 3304, which was last seen about 82 to 88 nm from the Zambales shoreline.
The PCG vessel replaced BRP Cabra on Monday, as the latter was tasked with transporting the body of a fisherman recovered from Silanguin Island to Subic Port. It arrived at the port to unload the remains on Tuesday morning.
“The PCG is committed to ensuring the safety of our fishermen, safeguarding our maritime jurisdiction, enforcing international law, and preventing escalation of tensions,” Tarriela said.
Beijing’s continued aggression was based on its assertion of sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, as it continues to reject the 2016 arbitral ruling that effectively dismissed its claims and ruled in favour of Manila. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
